Root Canals & Crowns in Calgary

A root canal involves removing infected or damaged tissue (called pulp) from inside the crown and roots of your tooth. First, your dentist will drill down into your tooth to remove the infected or damaged tissue, then the void (called the canal) is disinfected, shaped, and filled with a natural rubber-like material called gutta percha, which will seal the canal.

The opening of the tooth is then sealed, either temporarily or permanently, with a crown to prevent the tooth from becoming reinfected. If your dentist provides you with a temporary crown, then it is vital that you return for your follow up appointment to receive your permanent crown. Temporary crowns are not designed to stand up to long term wear and tear, and a damaged crown leaves your tooth vulnerable to reinfection.

There are several different types of crowns, each of which is made from a different material. Depending on which tooth requires a crown your dentist will determine which material, or combination of materials, is best suited to your unique dental needs.

Crowns can be made of four different materials or material combinations: metal crowns, composite crowns, porcelain crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

• Metal Crowns: Metal crowns are made of gold and are one of the most durable types of crown. Metal crowns last a long time and are unlikely to chip or break, and tend not to wear down the natural teeth located opposite when you bite or chew. However, gold stands out against your natural teeth, particularly if it is used for front teeth, and is viewed by many patients as unsightly.
• Composite Crowns: Composite crowns look like natural teeth and don’t tend to chip as easily as porcelain crowns. However, chewing tends to wear composite crowns down relatively quickly and brushing your teeth can wear away the highly polished surface of composite crowns. Worn down composite crowns tend to stain more easily.
• Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns look the most natural, but they are more brittle than metal and composite crowns and tend to chip more easily. Because of their relative fragility porcelain crowns are typically only used on front teeth, and are not generally considered the best choice for molars or premolars.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine the natural look of porcelain with the strength of metal and don’t typically chip as easily as porcelain or composite crowns. However, depending on the design of the crown a small bit of metal may show if your gums recede or are particularly thin.

Before they begin your dentist will treat the tooth that needs to be crowned with a local anesthetic and, if you are going to be fitted with a temporary crown, take an impression of your tooth. They will then file down the tooth that needs to be restored in order to make room for the crown.

Next, your dentist will take an impression of your filed tooth and its adjacent teeth, which will be used to create a permanent, custom fit crown. In order to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made your dentist may fit your tooth with a temporary crown which is made out of restorative material (the same material used for fillings). A temporary crown may not be the same shape or colour as your final crown.

On your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the final one. It is imperative that you return for your follow up visit so you can be fitted with your crown. Temporary crowns are not designed to withstand more than a short period of wear and tear, and if your temporary crown becomes cracked or damaged your tooth could become vulnerable to infection.

Once your permanent crown has been installed your dentist will check to make sure that it is the right shape, colour, fit, and bite. If your crown is correct, your dentist will then cement it into place.
Depending on your unique dental needs your tooth may need special care and attention. If you require orthodontic care, treatment for your gums, or a root canal, you may need to visit your dentist more than twice, and your appointment may take longer than a typical visit.

For more information about crowns and root canals, or to request an appointment, please contact us.